The first razor-clam dig of the season will get under way on evening tides Oct. 13 at four ocean beaches. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig after marine toxin tests on all four beaches confirmed the clams are safe to eat.

"Low tides will occur relatively late in the day, so diggers need be prepared for darkness during evening digs in the fall," said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2012-13 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW's website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.govand from license vendors around the state.

Under state law, each digger can take 15 razor clams per day, and must keep the first 15 clams they dig to prevent wastage. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.

Meanwhile, WDFW is still in the process of determining additional fall and winter digging opportunities, said Ayres.

WDFW is accepting public comments through Oct. 9 on digging days and other management options for additional razor-clam digs later this season. For more information, check the department's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/seasons_set.html.

The department will announce additional razor-clam digs later this month.